India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been affected by the unfortunate absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a lower back injury. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed this decision on February 11, 2025, and also announced that Harshit Rana would replace Bumrah in the final squad. Alongside this change, the selectors also opted to include Varun Chakaravarthy, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was initially part of the provisional squad.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury and Withdrawal
Jasprit Bumrah, one of India’s premier fast bowlers, was initially named in the provisional squad for the prestigious tournament. However, after a back injury sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia, Bumrah’s recovery has taken longer than anticipated. The injury occurred during the final Test of the series in Sydney, where Bumrah was forced to leave the field on Day 2 due to discomfort in his back, eventually not bowling for the remainder of the match.
Bumrah’s exclusion from the Champions Trophy squad has caused disappointment among fans and experts alike, especially given his stellar performances for India in recent months. Despite his injury, Bumrah’s leadership qualities were evident as he captained India in the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, as the recovery process continued, it became clear that he would not be fit in time for the Champions Trophy.
Harshit Rana’s Inclusion
With Bumrah unavailable, Harshit Rana has been called up as his replacement for the Champions Trophy. Rana is a fresh face in international cricket, having made his debut during the 2024 Border-Gavaskar series. His call-up to the Champions Trophy squad highlights the selectors’ trust in his potential, given his promising start to his international career.
Rana’s impressive statistics across formats make him a valuable addition to India’s bowling attack. He is notably the first Indian cricketer to take three wickets on debut in all formats—Test, T20I, and ODI—showcasing his adaptability and skill at the international level. Rana has appeared in two Tests, two ODIs, and one T20I, further proving his growing reputation in Indian cricket.
Varun Chakaravarthy’s Final Squad Selection
Another significant update in India’s final Champions Trophy squad is the inclusion of Varun Chakaravarthy, who replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal. Chakaravarthy, a leg-spinner, was a standout performer in India’s recent T20I series against England. His consistent wicket-taking ability helped him secure a spot in the final squad for the Champions Trophy, despite not being part of the initial selection.
During the T20I series against England, Chakaravarthy finished as the highest wicket-taker, with an impressive 14 wickets from five matches. His ability to deliver under pressure and his solid performances in limited-overs formats made him an ideal candidate for the ODI format. Chakaravarthy’s experience, including his ODI debut in the series against England, provides India with another reliable spin option.
Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Revised Role
As a result of these changes, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was originally named in the provisional squad, has now been relegated to the list of non-travelling substitutes. Jaiswal, alongside Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube, will be available to join the squad in Dubai if needed. These three players will remain on standby, awaiting any potential injury-related replacements or tactical changes during the tournament.
Jaiswal’s exclusion from the final squad, however, does not diminish his potential. The young batsman has had a remarkable rise in recent years, and his future in Indian cricket remains promising. His experience in limited-overs cricket could prove valuable to the team in the future.
India’s Champions Trophy Campaign
India is placed in Group A for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, where they will face Bangladesh, Pakistan, and New Zealand. The tournament is set to begin on February 20, with India’s opening match against Bangladesh. This will be followed by a high-stakes encounter against Pakistan on February 23, before their final group stage match against New Zealand on March 2. All these matches will take place in Dubai, adding to the tournament’s excitement.
Key Players in India’s Squad
India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy features several experienced players, including captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Shubman Gill. Other key players include Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. India’s spin department will be strengthened by Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, while the pace attack will be led by Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, and Harshit Rana.
Conclusion
India’s squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has undergone significant changes following the injury to Jasprit Bumrah. Harshit Rana and Varun Chakaravarthy have been brought in as replacements, with the latter impressing in recent T20Is. Although Yashasvi Jaiswal has been dropped from the final squad, he remains available as a standby player. As the tournament approaches, India will be looking to utilize its depth in both batting and bowling as they seek to win the Champions Trophy. The tournament will be a crucial test for India, and the changes to the squad have only added to the anticipation surrounding their campaign.
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